The roofing material you select will have cost implications for your total construction budget.
-Contributed
AFTER FACING the wrath of Hurricane Ivan, most homeowners and roofing experts agree that when choosing a roof, the more watertight the roofing material, the more feasible the option.
Overall, the quality of your roof rests largely on the quality of the workmanship, says Vaughn Morris, director of Seal Sprayed Solutions, a company that specialises in polyurethane roofing solutions. "All roof types have advantages and disadvantages but 90 per cent of the time, the long life of your roof depends on proper installation, application and design," he says.
Additionally, the roofing material you select will have cost implications for your total construction budget.
Roofing materials commonly used in Jamaica and the costs, advantages and disadvantages of some of these materials, are listed below:
Slab: This type of roof consists of concrete, tar, gravel and membrane. Roofing experts argue that a home covered with a slab roof is usually very hot particularly if ceilings are low. However, most slab roofs are able to withstand the threat of hurricane winds. Cost: After the roof's frame is constructed, poured concrete can be applied for approximately $6,800 per cubic yard.
Wood shingles: A roof made of wood shingles makes the house cooler in temperature but has zero resistance to fires. Shingles cannot be used on a flat surface. Instead, the roof must be at an angle of at least 30 degrees. "Depending on the grade of the shingle installed, the durability can vary from 10-25 years and it is also the most labour intensive installation," says George Elliot, managing director of Coverall Roofing. Cost: $32,000 per square (100 feet). Shingles are priced by the bundle and are available for approx. $4,400 per bundle.
Aluminium zinc sheets/corrugated sheeting: Least costly roofing material. If properly fastened experts argue that zinc sheets can withstand powerful hurricane winds. Zinc sheets are available in variety of colours and are priced according to gauge (the thickness of the material) and size. Usually available in 26 gauge and 28 gauge sheets, 26 gauge sheets are stronger and often used for industrial buildings but are suitable for residential properties and are more able to withstand strong winds. Cost: 26-gauge industrial $125 per running foot, $175 per running foot for coloured zinc. 28-gauge $92 per foot.
Clay and concrete tiles: Very attractive roofing materials but are susceptible to breakage over time. Homeowners may also find it difficult to find matching tiles to replace broken ones as trends change frequently or manufacturers may discontinue a particular style of clay tile. Also, felting, which is laid under clay tiles is prone to becoming worn or destroyed by rodents that feast on the material. Clay tiles have a longer lifespan than concrete tiles. The main disadvantages of concrete tiles are the high costs associated with waterproofing and the excessive weight of the material. Cost: $8,850 plus GCT per square (100 feet) plus labour costs of $4,500 per square.
Fibreglass and asphalt shingles: The discomfort from heat and the very costly counter- measures necessary to keep the house cool and comfortable, such as air conditioning should be carefully considered before choosing the fibreglass or asphalt roofing shingles, says Mr. Elliot. Cost: $2,300 $3,865 per square.
Built-up roofing (BUR): This roof type is typically suited for flat surfaces and consists of layers of plywood, timber, or tar, felting, membrane and or mastic. Though it consists of several layers, it is very prone to leaks and water tends to settle on the roof's surface. Cost: felt $600 per sq. yard, membrane $1050 per sq. yard. Surface preparation costs: $180 per sq. yard
Alu-steel tiles: Its interlocking feature makes this type of roofing solution extremely resistant to both wind and rain. These tiles are also highly fire and earthquake resistant. Cost: $11,000 plus GCT per square. Installation costs are not included but are usually in the range of approximately $400.
There are also several solutions available on the market to help increase the useful life of your roof. Acryshield is one repair solution made of a paint-based liquid and polyester fabric, can be used as a sealant to help stop leaks. This is one of the more cost-effective methods of roof repair and is usually available for approximately $2,500 at most hardware or roofing supply stores.
Another waterproofing solution is bitumen membrane or 'membrane', which can also be found at hard ware or other specialty stores.
STICKY MIXTURE
Bitumen, a road-surfacing material, is a sticky mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum and found in substances such as asphalt and tar that are used for road surfacing and roofing. Membrane is sold by the roll and prices range from $2,800 $3,300 per roll which covers up to 96 square feet. Homeowners should seek the help of a professional to assist with the installation of this product, as it requires considerable precision for application.
Polyurethane foam is another roof repair method that can solve a variety of roofing problems. Polyurethane, a synthetic plastic compound, is applied to the roof by spraying the substance on the roof's surface making it watertight and providing it with UV protection. According to Mr. Morris, very little maintenance is required once this product is applied to your roof and it lasts up to 10 years.
With prices ranging between $135 and $180 per square foot, applying polyurethane to a roof takes less time than conventional roofing because it dries almost instantaneously.
A.K.
